When I look at the model number it clearly shows Mod19- and the next number is a little har to determine. I think it's am "8" but could be a "6."

The serial number is K98xxx. Is the 98 indicative of the year of manufacture?

Does it have the lock or not? A -6 would not, a -8 would. There's a pretty good breakdown of the dash variations and the year they were introduced on the wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/..._%26_Wesson_Model_19

I can't help with the specific year of production, though...but I imagine somebody here a lot more knowledgeable than me can do so.

98 isn't the year of manufacture. It's circa 1970.

If it is 1970, is is probably like a -3
You may be seeing assemblers marks which don’t tell you much

Unless you missed an x, that gun (98xxx) is WAY before 1970.k series serial numbers of 5 digits after the K would be in the 1950’s prior to model numbering even starting and likely predating the 19( or combat magnum as it was referred to prior to model numbers) even being introduced

K98XXX would be manufactured in 1950. K prefix frames should be a target frame revolver. As said already, a 1950 made Smith would be before it was called a Model 19. Prior to 1957 it was called the “.357 Combat Magnum”.
Adding another X/digit (K98XXXX) to the serial number would make it around 1970. That would most likely be a Model 19-3.
Either way a great vintage S&W revolver, but 1950 would be way cooler than 1970
Any way you can post pictures?
My reference is the book “Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson”

Except that the pre-19 (.357 Combat Magnum) didn't appear until 1955. Must be one of the serial numbers needs reappraisal.

IIRC, the Combat Magnum aka the Model 19 was introduced at K260000. That's from memory so I may be wrong.

The Model 19-3 I have has a K95XXXX serial and I'm fairly sure it was manufactured in the 70s. At least that's likely the time frame that my Dad obtained it. I love that gun.

1970 looks right for that number.

quote:

Originally posted by texassierra:
The Model 19-3 I have has a K95XXXX serial and I'm fairly sure it was manufactured in the 70s. At least that's likely the time frame that my Dad obtained it. I love that gun.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
IIRC, the Combat Magnum aka the Model 19 was introduced at K260000. That's from memory so I may be wrong.

That is correct, but it wasn't introduced until 1955, and as a "Four-Screw" gun and was named the Model 19 in 1957...